---
title: "Test a boosting strategy"
slug: "test-a-boosting-strategy"
abstract: "Split test a boosting strategy in a search results widget inSitecore Search."
---
# Test a boosting strategy

The goal of a Sitecore Search search results widget aims to yield high conversion rates. Using a boosting strategy, expected items can be pushed to the top of result.

The following procedure tests two variations of a search results widget:

- The default variation which has no rules.
- A variation with a rule that boosts certain items to the top.

This walkthrough describes how to:

- Add a widget variation and rule to a widget.
- Create a rule to boost items.
- Create and schedule a split test.

## Add a widget variation and rule to a widget

To add a widget variation and rule to a widget:

1. On the menu bar, click **Widgets**.
2. On the **Widgets** tab, click the name of the widget you want to open.
3. On the **Widget Variations** tab, click **Add variation**.
4. Enter a name for this new variation then click **Save**.
5. On the **Rules** tab, click **Add Rule**.

## Create a rule to boost items

To create a rule to boost items when the keyphrase matches a regular expression:

1. On the menu bar, click ![Context_icon.png](https://doc.sitecore.com/api/markdown-image/search/en/users/search-user-guide/images/Context_icon.png) **Context** then click the **Site context** tab.
2. Click **Add context rule**, select *Keywords* from the list and in the operator drop-down menu, click **Match regular expression**.
3. In the text box, enter a regular expression that would yield `true` or `false` when evaluated for a particular keyword.
4. On the menu bar, click **Strategy**.
5. In the left pane of the **Strategies** page, click the **Boost Rules** tab.
6. Click **Add attribute**, select an attribute from the list, and in the operator drop-down menu, click **Is**.
7. To set the attribute value, in the text box, enter an appropriate value and click **Save**.
8. Click **Publish**.

## Create and schedule a split test

To split widget recipes:

1. On the menu bar, click **Widgets**.
2. On the **Widgets** tab, to open the widget, click its name.
3. On the **Split Testing** tab, click **Add Split Test**.
4. In the **Name** field, enter a name for your split test and click **Next**.
5. From the **Variations** list, to add to the test to the indicated area, drag the default variation with no rules and the new variation with the boosting rule.
6. Assign the percentage of traffic you want to drive to each variation and then click **Next**.
7. Select values for the **Start Date**, **End Date**, and **Time Zone** fields, and then click **Next**.
8. Review the details of your split test and then click **Save**.
9. Click **Publish**.